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Sundergarh district forms the North western part of Odisha state and is the Second largest district in the state accounting for 6.23% of the total area. Geographical Area of the district is 9712 km2. The district spreads from 21°36′N to 22°32′N and from 83°32′E to 85°22′E.[1]

Two princely States of Gangpur and Bonaigarh constitute the present district of Sundergarh, consequent upon merger of the princely States in 1 January 1948. It is understood that, in ancient times, this district was under the rulers of South Kosala. However, divergent views are available regarding the origin of the ruling family. Bonaigarh was known as Bonai Mandala and was ruled by Mayura dynasty as a feudetory of Bhoumakara dynasty of Utkala. The present royal family of Gangpur belongs to the Parmar dynasty and Bonaigarh belongs to Kadamba dynasty. These ex-states were under the suzerainty of Sambalpur which formed part of the dominion of the Maratha Rajas of Nagpur. They were ceded to the British Government in 1803 by the Maratha Chief Raghuji Bhonsla of Nagpur under the treaty of Deogaon(near Rourkela). But they were restored to him by special engagement in 1806. They were finally ceded in 1826. In 1905, these two princly states were transferred from the control of the Commissioner of Chhotanagur to that of Odisha Division and a separate Political Agent was appointed.

The Tribals are a major part of the population of this district. According to Census of India report, percentage of tribal population of this district was 50.19 in the 2001 census. The malaria infection of this district is three times the national average. Many children die due to apathy of government medical officials.

Kisan tribe

Kisan Tribe are the major inhabitants of this district along with Oram, Gond etc. They are farmers and food gatherers by profession. They are famous for their singing and dancing along with their hospitality. They speak the Kisan language along with Sadri, Sambalpuri, Oriya, Hindi and English. Kutra is a very well known Kisan village.

Kutra is a modern village situated on the State Highway between Rajgangpur and Sundergarh. It is the block headquarters under Sundergarh District. It has police station, fire station, hospital and schools. The Toppo's are the main residents of this village. The Tribals are the major community in this area. The Tribals are famous for their songs and dance along with their hospitality. Bus is the main source of transport, and the nearest train station is at Rajgangpur.

The main language spoken in this region is Oriya, which is known as Sundargadia Oriya with a variation to other major dialects of Oriya spoken in Western part of Odisha. People of Agariya community speak Agariya language, this language is a mix of Oriya and Hindi language. In village areas that borders Jharsuguda district of Odisha and Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, the main language is Agariya, as most of the total population is Agariya. As Sundargarh is a tribal dominated district Mundari, Kurukh, Ho, Kharia, Santali languages are spoken as mother tongue by the concerned tribal people. Santali is written in Ol Chiki script. Sadri language is the lingua franca among tribal people of this district. Hindi is understood and spoken by people of the district due to its close proximity with Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh. Due to cosmopolitan character, people of Rourkela use Standard Oriya or Standard Hindi as medium of communication. However English and Oriya languages are used for all official purpose.

Nuakhai is one of the most important festivals of this district. Both Hindus and Christians celebrate "Nuakhai".

Karma is also celebrated by both Hindus and Christians.

Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is celebrated by non tribal people, in places having Jagannath temple.

Ramnavami Festival: Bargaon in Sundargarh district of Odisha is famous for "Ramnavami Yatra" and "Nama Sankirtana". The place in Bargaon where the festival and cultural programs are performed is known as "Deva Mandapa". The Deva Mandapa is surrounded by "Lord Jagannath Temple", "Sri Hanuman Temple" and a "Dharma Sala" in three sides and the other side is a wide road connecting to the streets of Bargaon-Basti.

The theme of Ramnavami Yatra is the ‘Ramlila’. Performers of the village enact the entire story of Ramayana in open\multiple stages. The whole village is involved in facilitating and welcoming the visitors of that region. Thousands of visitors visit Bargaon during Ramnavami. Ramlila is performed at night, so security and other facilities are provided by local volunteers.

Rajgangpur is also famous for its Ramnavami Festival.

Nama Sankirtana: "Nama Sankirtana" is a form of worshiping Lord Krishna and Lord Rama as per Oriya Vashnavite philosophy in a gathering. The mantra "Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Hare Krushna, Hare Krushna, Krushna Krushna, Hare Hare" is enchanted by the worshippers for number of times till Purnahuti (closing ceremony). It is commemorate for 1, 3, 9, 21, 56, 156 days. The highest was 156 days Nama Sankirtana in Bargaon.